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Hello there. We have 3 iMac computers. We currently have all our data on the iMac machines. We want to be able to sync data to the Mac Mini Server so that we can edit data realtime. We also have 2 MacBook Air laptops which we want to edit files offline. So the data needs to be synced to those as well.

What is going to be the best way around this ? Hope I have explained everything ok.

Ideally you wouldn't sync the data from the iMacs to the server, but rather store the data on the server and access it from there.

If you want to collaborate in real time the quick answer is, you can't. Traditional file sharing mechanisms lock files while they are in use so a second user will only get a "read only" option when trying to open them.

The built in server WIKI pages might give you some benefit, but real time is certainly not going to happen.

At least move the data to the server for centralized storage and ease of backup.

Ideally you wouldn't sync the data from the iMacs to the server, but rather store the data on the server and access it from there.

If you want to collaborate in real time the quick answer is, you can't. Traditional file sharing mechanisms lock files while they are in use so a second user will only get a "read only" option when trying to open them.

The built in server WIKI pages might give you some benefit, but real time is certainly not going to happen.

At least move the data to the server for centralized storage and ease of backup.

Thank you for your response. We have now done exactly that. All the data is stored in one location on the Server and all computers can now access the files. Have also setup some FTP which is very handy when on the road.